The ‘80s horror comedy gets a fine release from Shout! Factory
Long before he tackled Oscar-worthy fare and transitioned into America’s dad, Tom Hanks built up his affable reputation with a string of comedy classics. Big, Splash, Joe Versus the Volcano, Dragnet, and Turner and Hooch spring to mind, but the one that always stands out is his collaboration with the distinct talents of director Joe Dante (Gremlins, Gremlins 2 the New Batch, Matinee, Innerspace), one that shows the the darker side of American suburban life, albeit with a mildly farcical edge. More then deserving of a Shout! Factory Collector’s Edition, The ‘Burbs is re-released this week!
Synopsis:
Tom Hanks stars in The ‘Burbs, a comedy about a suburbanite whose plans for a peaceful vacation at home are disturbed by a creepy new family on the block. Much to the disappointment of his wife (Carrie Fisher), Ray Peterson (Hanks) and his three neighbors set out to investigate the next-door residence after they begin to observe strange happenings. Set in an average neighborhood that is anything but ordinary, The ‘Burbs blends slapstick comedy and spine-thrilling mystery and is superbly directed by cult filmmaker Joe Dante (Piranha, Gremlins, Matinee, The Howling).
The ‘Burbs draws from that constant that in every neighborhood: there is that one house, or family, that stands out. Maybe the house is ill kept, strange noises come from within, or the people who live there are never seen during daylight. All these things can be explained logically, but to an overactive imagination, there are far grander machinations behind such things. Perfect material for a comedy or horror film. Joe Dante, together with writer Dana Olsen, effortlessly weaves both together in this cult ‘80s classic.
Hanks, fresh off his first Academy Award nomination (Best Actor, Big) is Ryan, a regular Joe whose overactive imagination is fueled by the boredom of a stay-cation. This is despite the efforts of his wife Carol (the brilliant Carrie Fisher) to get him away from it all, or counter his more outlandish theories. It’s one of the first roles I saw her in outside Star Wars, and she’s equally as memorable here. (Rumor has it she actually staged an intervention for Corey Feldman on set.) Contributing to Ray’s conspiracy theories about his creepy neighbors the Klopeks are Mark Rumsfield (Bruce Dern), a retired soldier who is in open conflict with widower Walter Seznick (Gale Gordon) over his dog Queenie’s fouling ways; Ricky Butler (Corey Feldman), a teen whose youthful exuberance spurs on the shenanigans; and finally Art Weingartner (Rick Ducommun), who brings out the worst in them all. These eccentric characters (and their long suffering partners) all conspire to amplify the ludicrous premise that one house on their street is home to murderers. Or is it really that outlandish an idea?
The ‘Burbs was shot entirely on a studio lot, and Dante brings this level of control to bear on one of his most impressive productions, rolling out camera pans, wind effects, lightning, and even an homage to a Western shoot out. They add a sense of theatrics, which only underscores the ludicrousness of Ray and his cohorts’ behavior, countered by drips of information or sights that keep suspicions aroused — like the sight of a body shaped trash bag covered object, or the Klopeks digging in the back yard in the dead of night. It’s enough to justify their investigations, and their fears, which occasionally verge on xenophobic. It’s an interesting undercurrent, one that still resonates today, about people who are different, or foreign, entering a more homogeneous mix. While played for laughs, the final scene shows that while there is there is something to the persistence of this motley band, there is definitely a cost to their destructive behavior.
The Package
This release features a new 2K scan of the interpositive. The result shows good picture quality overall. Deep and natural colors for the neighborhood and exterior scenes standout, as do warm skin tones. The film does show a degree of softness and grain, likely a result of the source, which impacts the darker scenes more than anything else. This aside, it’s the best looking version of the film I’ve ever seen. Special features are plentiful:
- NEW Interviews With Director Joe Dante, Editor Marshall Harvey, And Director Of Photography (Additional Scenes) John Hora: Nice additions, which help frame the films reception and legacy.
- Audio Commentary With Writer Dana Olsen, Moderated By Author Calum Waddell
- There Goes The Neighborhood: The Making Of The ‘Burbs — Includes Interviews With Director Joe Dante, Actors Corey Feldman, Courtney Gaines, And Wendy Schaal, Director Of Photography Robert M. Stevens, And Production Designer James H. Spencer: A really great doc running around an hour in length. Plenty of insights and entertaining moments from a significant portion of the cast an crew.
- Alternate Ending: In addition to the one in the original workprint, the ambulance showdown and dialogue pay out slightly differently.
- Original Workprint From Joe Dante’s Archive (Includes Deleted And Extended Scenes): Pretty fascinating to see, and great for film fans in general, comparing and contrasting with what actually made it into the release.
- Behind-The-Scenes Still Gallery: Exactly what it sounds like.
- Stills And Posters Gallery: Various stills from the film.
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
The ‘Burbs was, and remains, one of the horror/comedy high-points of the ‘80s. A brilliantly entertaining example of the talents of both Hanks and Dante, who brings a mastery to the balance and execution of the film. Shout! Factory delivers a solid release yet again, one sure to satisfy fans and convert the unknowing.
The Burbs is available via Shout! Factory from March 20th
